Transcriber for ink recorder tape



Allg- 30, l.. F. sHERwooD v 2,480,386

l TRANSCR'IBER FOR INK RECORDER TAPES Filed April 9, 1947 SnventorPatented Aug. 30, 1949 l Y TRANSCRIBER FOR INK RECORDER TAPE Leslie F.Sherwood, Hollis, N .Y., assignor to Radio Corporation of America, acorporation of Dela- Ware Application April 9, 1947, Serial No. 740,373

6 Claims. l

This invention relates to telegraphic systems and more particularly to asystem for transcribing signals from an ink recorder.

Under certain circumstances, it is desirable to transmit automatically amessage which has been received and recorded on a tape in internationalMorse code by a. system in which the mark and space elements have beenpunched into a tape.

Accordingly, it is a purpose of this invention to convert the mark andspace signals as received on a standard tape recorder to plus and minusimpulses so that an automatic perforator can be operated directly fromthe recording tape. The perforated tape may then be run through aprinter for transcribing the signals in corresponding characters or maybe retransmitted over lines adapted for use of the perforated tape.

Several devices have been conceived which would accomplish this purpose.However, the systems with which the applicant is familiar utilize eitherthe tops of the transcribing signals as being representative of the markspaces or the bottoms of the transcribing signals as beingrepresentative of the space signals. Such devices are open to objectionin that Where the tops or bottoms are not perfectly formed an erroneoussignal is apt to be transcribed. Itis, accordingly, a further object ofthis invention to provide a transcribing device which will producestrong plus and minus impulses corresponding to mark and space elementsWithout necessitating a highly accurate transcribing system.

Briefly, in accordance with the invention, a photocell device isutilized to scan the middle of the signal recorded on an ink recordertape representative of Morse signals so as togive a pulse of currenteach time a vertical or upright line passes the scanning point. Thesepulses are utilized so as to alternately operate the mark and spacemagnets of a perforating machine.

lThe above and other objects and advantages of this invention will beclear in a consideration of the following detailed description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which: v

Fig. 1 represents one type of recorded signals for which the inventionis designed to operate; and,

Fig. 2 represents schematically an embodiment -In Fig. 1 there isillustrated a tape I upon which i there vhas been transcribed a graphicrepresentation v2 of thereceved Morse code signals.

well known in the art, these signals are recorded in the form of acontinuous line having upper relatively flat sections 2| representativeof mark elements of the code and lower relatively at sections 22representative of space elements of the code interconnected by uprightlines 23 which are substantially vertical and which are made during thetransposition of the recording pen between mark and space positions.

Referring now to Fig. 2, it will be seen that there has been provided alight source 3 which isl directed through a lens system 4 upon aphotoeelctric cell 5. The beam of the light is so adjusted in spacerelationship to the tape Ithat it passes midway between the upper andlower portions of the recorded signals. As will be understood, thephotoelectric Icell may be actuated by the beam of light passing throughthe tape, as shown, or by light reflected therefrom. The tape I isarranged to be drawn past the light beam by'means of any suitableapparatus, not shown. As the upright portions of the recorded signalspass the light beam, lpulses will be produced in the output of thephotoelectric cell. TheV output from photoelectric cell 5 is led to themovable tongue of a two-way electro-mechanical4 lay. Two electricaldischarge devices l and 8 i are provided. These devices are preferablyof the type which are non-conducting in the absence of an appliedvoltage to their grids. Alternately, suitable grid biasing circuits suchas are well known in the art may be utilized. It will be obvious, thatif the pulses from the photoelectric cell are of insumo-lent amplitudeto render the vacuum tubes conductive, they may be amplified by any wellknown means.

The switch 6 is arranged to complete a circuit from the photoelectriccell 5 to the grid 5l of tube 'I when its tongue is thrown to the leftand to complete a circuit from the grid I0 of tube 8 when its tongue isthrown to the right.

In the plate circuit of tube 1 there is placed a magnet Il arranged tothrow the tongue of switch vI2 to the right. A similar magnet I3 1splaced in the plate circuit of tube 8 and is arranged to throw theswitch I2- to the left. The switch I2 is similar in construction andoperation to the switch 6. Y

In series with the cathode I4 of tube 1 there is placed a magnet I5arranged to throw the tongue of switch 6 to the right. A similar mag-Asis 55. net I6`- is connected to the cathode Il of tube.&

and is arranged to throw the tongue of switch 6 to the left. A suitablesource of supply for operating the tubes 'I and 8 is provided having itspositive terminal I8 connected through magnets II and I3 to the anodesof tubes I and 8, re- 5 spectively. The other terminal I9 of the powersupply is grounded .to completeni circuittqtfne cathodesofmtuhes 'I' and8 from ground through the magnets `I 5"and I6, respectively.

The switch I2 is arranged to complete a cir; cuit to the periorator 23actuating a mark iml pulse when thrown to the left'andto'coi'ri'plte'-a' circuit to the perforator actuating ,a space pulse.when thrown to the right. Thetajpepejcilorator; 20 is of standardconstructionandpo'diices'a 1,'5 tape carrying perforationsrepresentativeof mark and space elements indicative of code characters.

A perforator suitable for such use is show nin U. S. Patent 1,150,326,granted August 17,' 1915, to A. H. Annand. To adapt this perforator91120 use with the present invention'vit is onlynecessary'. to connectthethree arrowheads shown g'oingfto,l th'e block 20 of Fig. 2 of theapplication tothe wires I3, I4 and I5 of Fig. 1 of the patent.

It will be obvious'that the perforator should be` 25 operated insubstantial Syncnrcnism. withj thc scanned tape. This may be readilyaccomplished b'y driving the tape bearing the recorded signals'A fromthe motor shown in the aforementioned Plb'fflt.Y 3o

Assuming that the device isset as showninthf drawing, an impulse will begenerat'ednbythe.' photoelectrio cell each time an uprightportion of Ithe recorded signal passes vthe light beanf1 The first puise wm beconducted tothe grid mcrtubeet' 8 rendering it momentarily conductive.'Current), will then ow through a circuitfromgrgund'j through magnet lc,tube a, magnet 11,3 andthe; positive terminal I8. Magnet I3,associated'lwthff switch I2will be energized and cause the tongue'fl 40of the switch to assume a positionto alle [left corresponding to a markelement. Simi 1 magnet, I6 will be energized andcauseftlietog of switch5 to assume a position tfthlefi't 1. When the tongue of switch 6 istlifowntQ'thef-45 left,L it will openthe grid circuiti of tubefBren'ldering it non-conductive. At jthejsaine {tii'it will complete acircuit between 'the'figilioioel,'ectrfi". ceu 5 and grid s cf tube 1.Accordingly, the-nest; succeeding pulse produced fromthe`photoelctricf50 cell Vas the scanning of therecorded'signalQcori-g.. tinues will rendertube l conductii/"e'f,vvCui`r`er`1sf will then flow from ground through m'agneVtff, tubjefl,magnet I I to the positive terminali SlIheA v energization of magnet IIthrows, the"toiig`* l switch |21 to the right completing ,thecijrcit to;the -perforator indicative oa"'spai'".pillsv4 the saine time, theenergiztaion off l causes the tongue of switch 6 tobe't wnftofthe'Mright, opening the circuit tothe`grid`of', tuhel1. '60 and restoring theapparatusto its;original` fi` non 1t win be clear that thcrcwuithusjbepQ ducedfrom successive upright'linescfhree corded signals, pulses whichwill"caus'e. tliel"per` fo'ratr to punch mark and space indications n.65 a tape in accordance with the., 's ignalsfble scanned. Since thescannedftape willfnoirally.

bepas'sing the optical system ata 'c ons'tantlin rate, these'pulsesywill be produced 'in 'tir'nd ela'-N tinship indicative ofv dots and dasIt may appear that chattering willfo ur operation of the ,switches 6vanfdjl 2f which cuits; and meansin each of saidoperating y.;

4 of switch 6 before any action occurs and, having passed there andoutlived its usefulness there, there will be no chattering as theinertia of the relay prevents simultaneous action and, therefore, therewould be no signal present by the time the switch would otherwise startto chatter. Therefore, Ethe. device will set itself for the next estawithal@ datering..

While the invention has been described in particularity, it will beclear that various modications may be madeA therein without departingfrom theV spirit of the invention. Thus the transcribed signal from, anink recorder may be replacedby anyrecorded signals which would have on asingle linefmarks which would indicate the start and end of mark andspace signals. Simila'rly, the output circuits could be used to actuateapparatus other than a perforator. Accordingly, it is to be understoodthat the embodiment of the invention described is for purposesofillustratlon and is not to be construed asilimited to the p'articulardevices and arrangement shown..

Having described myinvention, what I claim is:

1. Telegraphic apparatus utilizing a tape which has signal markingsthereon, comprising, in com; bination, means for scanning said signal.mark ings and producing a. controlpulse at .the startVA and at the endof each elementof thesignalcharacter under consideration, apair ofoperating cir-..1 cuits, a tape perforator, meansvin oneof saidoperating circuits for actuating! said perforator to produce aperforation indicatif/ivaof` a markelement, means in the other of saidoperating.circuits for actuating saidperforato'r to p roduceaperforation indicative of a space element,.switch ing means arranged todeliver the Acontroltplses., produced by said scanning means to encor,the other of said operating circuits, 'andineansim each of saidoperating circuitsarrangd .to actuate said switching means luponthereceptionofu., one of said pulses to transfer the next succeeding' pulseto the other of said operating circuits. 1., ,i 2. In a device forcontrolling an .automaticfper-y.. foratorl from a Morse signal recordedon van,in k recorder tape in the form of a continuous line, havinglupper relatively fiat sections representa? tive of mark elements of saidsignal and lower relatively at sections representative. of space`elements of said signal interconnected by Vupright". portionswhich aresubstantially vertical4 and` whichare made during .transpositioncfltl'ie'recording pen between mark andspacepositions, means for scanningsaid upright portions of-said recordedsignal` and producing a controlpulse; as i said upright portions pass the .scanning point, aY pair.,ofoperatingcircuits, switchingmeans arf. ranged to deliver the controlpulses thus proa. duced to one or the other of.. sald' operating icircuits arranged to actuatesaidswitching means upon the reception .pioneersaid pulsesto trans-1 ferv the next succeeding pulseto the other of saidoperating circuits. Y 3. In a device'ior controlling an automaticper--forator from a Morse signal recordedv on animi: recorder tape in theformwof ,awcontinuousling havingupper i'elatively'lat sections representa tive of marlr` element-sof said signallandglower .relatively iiatvsections 'represent' 1,i; 1` ve,9i space.; 'elements 0f Seid Signaliaier-.eerieted ingericht portions which areA A's ulodstarrtiallyz,verticalctandr. Whieh- .are rade during .aanspannen .of l the; re:

bcithc'casci if lthe deyiccwcrkce absciutjiy l a` @ermee-.ree @weremarkanaspaccmationen tae 15's; Howfeiihe Siebel,plllsffrbmtha..finelesfor See Maasai@manshtporticns c f sari..- photbelectric cellfirst passes thru'ghthe contacts "75` recorded'tape and producing acontrol pulse aS said upright portions pass the scanning point, a pairof operating circuits, a tape perforator, means in one of said operatingcircuits for actun ating said perforator to produce a perforationindicative of a mark element, means in the other of said operatingcircuits for actuating said perforator to produce a perforationindicative of a space element, switching means arranged to deliver thecontrol pulse produced by said scanning means to one or the other ofsaid operating circuits, and means in each of said operating circuitsarranged to actuate said switching means upon the reception of one ofsaid pulses to transfer the next succeeding pulse to the other of saidoperating circuits.

4. Telegraphic apparatus utilizing a tape which has signal markingsthereon, comprising, in combination, means for scanning said signalmarkings and producing a control pulse at the start and at the end ofeach element of the signal character under consideration, a pair ofoperating circuits, a normally non-conducting electric discharge devicein each of said operating circuits, each of said electric dischargedevices having a cathode, an anode and a control grid, switching meansarranged to deliver said control pulses to one or the other of saidcontrol grids, said pulses being of such polarity as to render saidelectric discharge devices conductive, a

source of electric current, a mark actuating solenoid ,connected betweenone terminal of said source and one of said anodes, a space actuatingsolenoid connected between said terminal of said source and the other ofsaid anodes, and means connected in the cathode path of each of saidelectric discharge devices arranged to actuate said switching means whenone of said electric discharge devices is conducting so as to transferthe next succeeding pulse to the control grid of the other of saidelectric discharge device.

5. Telegraphic apparatus utilizing a tape bearing graphicrepresentations of marking and spacing signals, comprising, incombination, means for scanning said representations and producing acontrol pulse as each such representation is scanned, a pair ofoperating circuits, a normally non-conducting electric discharge devicein each of said operating circuits, each of said electric dischargedevices having a cathode, an anode and a control grid, switching meansarranged to deliver said -control pulses to one or the other of saidcontrol grids, said pulses being of such polarity as to render saidelectric discharge devices conductive, a source of electric current, amark actuating solenoid connected between one termi- 5 nal of saidsource and one of said anodes, a space actuating solenoid .connectedbetween said terminal of said source and the other of said anodes, andmeans connected in the cathodes path of each of said electric dischargedevices arranged to actuate said switching means when one of saidelectric discharge devices is conducting so as to transfer the nextsucceeding pulse to the control grid of the other of said electricdischarge device.

6. In a device for controlling an automatic perforator from a Morsesignal recorded on an ink recorder tape in the form of a continuous linehaving upper relatively flat sections representa'- tive of mark elementsof said signal and lower relatively flat sections representative ofspace elements of said signal interconnected by upright portions whichare substantially vertical and which are made during transposition oftherecording pen between mark and space positions, means for scanningsaid upright portions of said recorded tape and producing a controlpulse as said upright portions pass the scanning point, a pair ofoperating circuits, a normally non-conducting electric discharge devicein each of said operating circuits, each of said electric dischargedevices having a cathode, an anode and a control grid, switching meansarranged to deliver said control pulses to one or the other of saidcontrol grids, said pulses being of such polarity as to render saidelectric discharge devices conductive, a source of electric current, amark actuating solenoid connected between one terminal of said sourceand one of said anodes, a space actuating solenoid connected betweensaid terminal of said source and the other of said anodes, and meansconnected in the cathode path of each of said electric discharge devicesarranged to actuate said switching means when one of said electricdischarge devices is conducting so as to transfer the next succeedingpulse to the control grid of the other of said electric dischargedevice.

LESLIE F. SHERWOO-D.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iile ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,712,763 Hamel May 14, 19292,141,237 Connery Dec. 27, 1938 2,307,099 Apperley Jan. 5, 19432,408,794 Matte Oct. 8, 1946 2,444,429 Cleeton July 6, 1948 FOREIGNPATENTS Number Country Date 220,971 Great Britain Aug. 21, 1924

